So we spent the weekend in Charleston to the WHOLE family again - Mom, Gibson, Cara, Katie, Josh, Annajaye, Abigail, Nicholas, Elias, & I. That is nine people in three bedrooms and two & half baths. AND.IT.WAS.GREAT. I really love my family.

I do have two questions/observations, however:

a) Elias won't wear shoes. Since he was born, he goes straight for any pair we put on his toes and pulls them off. This morning, since it was 65 degrees - I sat him down and explained very calmly that it is now fall and I won't stand for all the rude looks I'm getting out in society having an eight month old child who has no socks or shoes on. I tried for about 20 minutes, with Nick's help to put shoes on and Elias won. Afterwards - I was sweaty, tired, and late for work. He knows all the ways to move his foot so you can't get the shoe one and if you do get it on, he knows how to immediately peel it off. What do I do?

b) He won't sleep out of town. Wilmington, the Mtns., Charleston - we're up every two hours. I know part of it has to do with us being in the room with him, but how can I break this? Any suggestions? At home, he goes down EASY at 7:30, no tears ... then he sleeps till around 8:30am, simply putting himself back to sleep if he wakes up during the night. I've got to break him of this, because I just don't want two nurseries AND I really would like to be able to go out of town again without drugging him. HOWEVER, I'm not above it.

........... Lastly, the picture is of Katie & Elias and is my little tribute to her. Happy Belated Blog Birthday, k. I love you so much. You are beauty. You're my hero and best friend. Going through life with you is the best thing that ever happened to me and I pity those who don't get to walk with you. You're an amazing aunt, mother, wife, sister, daughter, and human being. You're my RUBY.